Four million for Robotron canteen: cultural venue of the future is being created!

Four million for Robotron canteen: cultural venue of the future is being created!

The Robotron canteen in Dresden, an important architectural monument of Eastern Modernism, is facing extensive renovation. Thanks to a federal funding commitment of four million euros, the redesign of the former VEB Robotron administration building is now becoming a reality. The project, which runs under the “National Urban Development Projects” program, aims to transform the canteen into an international cultural and meeting place. This is reported by the Weekly Courier.

After the renovation, the Robotron canteen will not only be a space for cultural events, but will also provide a permanent home for the OSTRALE art biennale. A comprehensive repair of the building shell, roof renovations and the repair of structural damage are planned. In addition, modern building technology such as electricity, water and heating is installed. The final work is expected to be completed by the end of 2028 at the latest, and construction is scheduled to begin in 2027. The total costs of the renovation amount to around 6.1 million euros.

Focus on artistic use

The OSTRALE Biennale, which has been taking place in the Robotron canteen since June 7th, 2025 and is open until October 5th, 2025, will continue to be the heart of the new cultural center. The Biennale will be open to visitors from Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is supported by the artist community and the Kunsthaus Dresden, which will also find new premises here.

The building itself has an interesting history: Built between 1969 and 1972 by the architects Herbert Zimmer, Peter Schramm and Siegfried Thiel, it consists of serially prefabricated building elements that give the building a pavilion-like character. The facade facing Lingnerallee, which is clad in turquoise-blue ceramic tiles, is striking. Inside there are two large dining rooms with space for 800 people as well as artistic details such as molded stone walls by the sculptor Eberhard Wolf and a special “Moki ceiling” made of plaster.

Background and funding

The city of Dresden acquired the Robotron canteen on the initiative of the city council in order to save it from the threat of demolition. The preservation of the building was met with great support from the city's society, and numerous initiatives from the cultural and creative industries advocated for its important cultural use. The protection as a monument ultimately set the course for the renovation, which is now made possible with a solid financing mix of federal funds, a generous donation of 1.5 million euros from the Arnhold family and the city's own funds. Further information on funding opportunities in the cultural sector can be found at creative-bund.de be read.

The Robotron canteen therefore has hope for the future, as a place of encounter and cultural exchange that will radiate far beyond the city limits.